York County hears from community members for and against upcoming solar farm boundaries

YORK, Neb. (KLKN) – The number of people prepared to face the York County Board of Commissioners and the County’s Zoning and Planning Board on Monday only grew as the start of the meeting inched closer.

Protestors made a case against the solar farm outside the courthouse before anyone entered the building, and inside, over 50 attendees took seats on the main floor, while dozens had to sit in a secondary room to watch.

The majority of speakers opposed the 3,000-acre solar farm planned for their backyards.

One of those yards belongs to the Jackson family. Gene Jackson, along with his grandson Caleb, told Channel 8 that their land was their homestead for over 147 years.

“My grandmother was born on that farm,” said Gene.

“There are 22 farms of families that moved here from around the country, and they will be surrounded by this on three sides.”

After previous public hearings on the matter, the county created boundaries that prevent the project from being within 1/2 a mile from the land of homeowners who do not sign up for the plans, or within 660 feet of churches or schools.

Some in attendance are okay with this compromise.

One man indicated, “It’s mine, and I paid for it through blood, sweat, and tears, and I pay taxes, and I decide what I plan and how I want to use my land.”

Others in attendance, against the boundaries, such as the group leading the charge on the project, the Omaha Public Power District.

Dustin Marvel, a spokesman for OPPD, is calling the limits ‘extremely prohibitive.

“They really eliminate a project like ours. With half-mile setbacks, it’s absolutely imperative that they reduce those in order for us to move forward,” said Marvel.

Another public speaker is calling for the necessary setbacks to preserve agriculture in the area.

“They protect nonparticipating landowners, preserve property values, prevent neighbor conflicts, and maintain vital agriculture operations.”

With plans to finalize the decision scheduled for Tuesday morning, Caleb Jackson is on edge.

“Whatever ends up happening, if these solar panels are put up right next to our fields, it will ruin the opportunity to farm the land.”

He goes on to say that the land becomes less viable and their ability to earn a living from it is reduced, which he personally wants.

“I’d love to continue to keep the Jackson family name up, and represent the family, and the farming community very much,” said Caleb.

Gene responded to his grandson’s vision by saying, “Doesn’t get better than that.”

This is a developing story, and updates will be found at klkntv.com once the board announces its decision on the zoning boundaries on Tuesday.